Prayer diary

December 2006

CHRIST CHURCH WITH ST MARY’S

BATH ROAD METHODIST CHURCH

IMMANUEL UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

LAWN COMMUNITY CHURCH

Swindon Old Town Partnership of Churches

Let us pray that in the prayers we offer in this month, we

may hear God speaking to us, directing how we may help

answer what we are praying for.

Come thou long-expected Jesus

Born to set thy children free

From our fears and sins release us

Let us find our rest in thee. Charles Wesley

Fri 1^st Give thanks for our home and families and the love and support we enjoy every day.

Sat 2^nd Pray for Michael Hodgson as he begins his new ministry in Wales.

Sun 3^rd At the start of Advent, remember the United Carol Service at Christ Church with our guest preacher Capt. Andrew Burrows of the Salvation Army.

Mon 4^th Our hospitals; be grateful for the skill of the medical and nursing staff, and for all who contribute in different ways to the care and comfort of patients.

Tues 5^th Farmers and those engaged in many kinds of food production on the land and at sea.

Wed 6^th Children at school preparing for Nativity plays and carol services; that the Christmas story may have real meaning for them.

Thurs 7^th House groups, Bible study groups and the Alpha course, that their discussions may be a source of strength and provide new insights.

Fri 8^th The homeless in our own town, and the thousands in camps across the world, refugees from war, civil unrest and famine.

Sat 9^th All engaged in youth work in our Partnership Churches.

Sun 10^th Advent 2. Christingle service. Pray for those who lead worship in our churches that we may see a renewal of faith and witness.

Mon 11^th St Mary’s Carol Service when we welcome friends from across the parish. May there be a generous response to the collection for the Kagitumba project.

Tues 12^th Remember wild creatures as the weather gets colder, and be grateful for the faithful companionship of our pets.

Wed 13^th Volunteers and organisations whose efforts help to fill gaps in the welfare system, especially for the elderly, the disabled and the mentally ill.

Thur 14^th The bereaved, especially those facing Christmas on their own for the first time; may they find comfort and hope.

Fri 15^th The on-going problems in the Middle East: for an easing of tension in Palestine, Lebanon and Israel between Christians, Moslems and Jews.

Sat 16^th That the threat of climate change may encourage us to use the resources of the planet more wisely, not wastefully.

Sun 17^th Advent 3: As we celebrate the season with plays and carol services, remember those who give their time and musical talents so freely, and whose contributions lift our spirits and deepen our worship.

Mon 18^th Members of the armed forces, particularly those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, those recovering from wounds, and the families facing anxiety and separation.

Tues 19^th Those who serve us in busy stores and supermarkets and those who will work to provide water gas and electricity through the holiday.

Wed 20^th Ambulance crews, the police and the fire service for their commitment and expertise in dealing with emergencies and disasters.

Thur 21^st The shortest day, the turn of the year, and the feast of St Thomas, the apostle who doubted and then found great faith. Remember Care At Christmas and similar organisations providing food, friendship and shelter to the lonely and disadvantaged.

Fri 22^nd Pray for our clergy in the Partnership and their families; that they may find some quiet time amid the activities that the season brings.

Sat 23^rd Remember all who travel at this time, may they arrive safely and return refreshed.

Sun 24^th Advent 4 and Christmas Eve. Pray that the joy and wonder of the angels’ message of peace and goodwill may remain with us through the days ahead.

Mon 25^th Christmas Day: The word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, full of grace and truth.

Tues 26^th On the feast of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, we remember Christians in other lands facing persecution for their faith.

Wed 27^th The feast of St John the Evangelist, the fisherman called by Jesus at the lake, an apostle and gospel writer. May we walk in the light of his teaching.

Thur 28^th On Holy Innocents Day remember the thousands of young children in the developing world, many orphaned by AIDS, and others dying from poverty and preventable diseases.

Fri 29^th The feast of St Thomas Becket, archbishop and martyr. Pray that the Church leaders will speak with courage for their traditions and values even when this runs counter to popular views.

Sat 30^th Those participating in sporting activities whether as players, coaches, chaplains or spectators.

Sun 31^st New Year’s Eve: Heavenly Father, accept our thanksgiving for past blessings, give us courage and wisdom to face the future, and fit us by your grace for whatever lies ahead in the coming year.

This month’s prayer diary was compiled by Pat Lawrence of St Mary’s Church

The Partnership Prayer

Father, who wills all things to be one in Christ, give us singleness of purpose to express this unity in our Parish, that those around us may witness our life together and turn to Him who is the way, the Truth and the Life, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen